THIS WEEK’S WALKS

LOCHABER AND LORN RAMBLERS

The walk leader is to be contacted beforehand for meet up and start times. Car sharing usually possible and you can try before you buy.

You can walk three times with the club before joining. Further information at www.lochaberandlorn-ramblers.org.uk. Lochaber and Lorn Ramblers Group can be contacted by email on info@lochaberandlorn-ramblers. org.uk.

Today (Thursday August 17) Gairich, Loch Quoich

This is a relatively easy hill in a wild and isolated setting.

The splendid E-facing headwall above Coire Thollaidh is visible from afar and remains a fine sight throughout the approach.

Start at the dam at the E end of Loch Quoich, NH069024. There is limited parking space here. Cross the dam and follow the boggy path S for about 3Km, to the edge of a conifer plantation. Turn W and follow the path, indistinct or eroded in places, up the shoulder of Druim na Geid Salaich to the summit of Bac nam Foid, 584m. Ignoring an old stalkers’ path that leads to the S face, keep to the crest of the E ridge where a hillwalkers’ path may be found, and ascend steeply to the summit of Gairich, 919m.

There are a few rocky steps to negotiate. The easiest descent is made by reversing the outward route.

An alternative return route adds 6Km to the day:- Head SW over easy ground as far as Gairich Beag at 730m. Locate the head of a stalkers’ path at NN010988 and follow it down W, zig-zagging on steep ground. It joins another path at the watershed in the glen. Turn SE and head down through Glen Kingie into the forest. Continue E, curving N to emerge from the forest at NN066996 and rejoin the outward route back to the dam.

Distance: 16km. Height to climb 730m.

Meet at Fort William Woollen Mill at 8.50am

Walk leader Sally Cameron, 07810 464994. Saturday August 19 Arisaig to Borrodale House A low level walk on good paths visiting a canal, cup-marked stone, a hidden bothy, Prince Charlie’s cave (bring a torch) and a dun.

Start from the Post Office at Arisaig where limited parking is available. Walk south and take the minor road at the bend, cross the bridge over the canal and take the track E, which follows it to Mains Farm.

The track turns S to the junction at Glen Cottage. Turn left and follow the track E for 300m to a junctionEX. Turn right and follow the track S up to a low pass at 60m alt. Look for the cup-marked stone at NM6686384468. Continue S down to the shore at Camas Ghaoideil.

An easy scramble up a rocky outcrop leads to a small bothy perched above a precipice at the E end of the beach. Retrace steps back over the pass and down to the main track. Turn right and follow it E for 800m, where it joins the metalled road.

Turn S down the road to the head of the tidal inlet of Saideal Druim an DaraichEX. Head SE across the estuary and pick up a path that leads E to Prince Charlie’s Cave at NM6906384432. Continue E for 200m, then turn S across a stream on a footbridge and climb up to the Dun at Rubha Aird Ghamhsgail. Return to re- cross the footbridge then follow the track N by the stream to Borrodale Ho. Turn E to reach the A830 at NM697850. Transport required.

Distance: 10km. Height to climb 270m.

Meet at Fort William Woollen Mill at 9.30am

Walk leader Dave Kime, 01972 500272.

NEVIS HILLWALKING CLUB

Please see full walk details at www.nevishillwalking.club.

If you would like to go out on the walk please contact club secretary Suzanne Theobald on 01397 701783 or email enquiries@ nevishillwalking.club. Sunday August 20 Beinn Fhada Start from the car park opposite the entrance to Morvich campsite, NG960210.

Head E to the end of the road and cross the bridge over the River Croe. Take the footpath into Gleann Choinneachain and follow it for 4.5km up to a junction at NH007213. Turn S and follow the path into Coire an Sgairne and continue up to reach its rim at altitude 800m. Head up SE, following the rim of Coire Thuill Sgailceich to the summit of Beinn Fhada.

There is an option here to continue to the Munro Top of Sgurr a’ Dubh Doire, 962m, at the head of Glen Affric, (additional 4km and 240m ascent). From Beinn Fhada, head W to the Munro Top of Meall an Fhurain Mhor, 954m. A narrow ridge snakes N to the Bealach an tSealgaire ( The Hunters’ Pass), beyond which a short scramble leads to the summit of Sgurr a’ Choire Ghairbh, 864m. The ridge continues NE, curving N then W down over Beinn Bhuidhe, 502m.

Continue W down to the bridge over the River Croe and return to Morvich.

Distance: 18km. Height to climb: 1,300m.

Suggested by Ken Stevenson; coordinated by Liz Stevenson.